Amusement-vehicle.



H. H. PATTEE a; 0. L. DUBNKELI.

AMUSEMENT VEHICLE. APPLICATION FILED MAY25, 190s.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

PATENTED MAR. 13, 1906.

N0. 815,2l1. PATENTED MAR. 13, 1906. H. H. PATTEE .& G. L. DUBNKEL.AMUSEMENT VEHICLE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 26. 1905.

s sums-sum s.

WITNESSES:

N0.815',21'1. 1 I PATENTEDMARI13, 1906.

H. H. YPATTBB & c. L. DUBNKEL. AMUSEMENT VEHICLE.

APPLIOATION PILBDMAY 25, 1905.

5 SHBBTS-'SHEET 4.

-- ,ITNITED STATES Pmmtme HERBERT H. PATTEE, OF EAST ORANGE, EW JERsEY,ANDCHARLES L.

I To all whom it Thu/y concern:

vIO

DUENKEL, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

AMUSEMENT-VEHICLE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

' Patented March 13, 1906.

. A nmim m my 25, 1905. Serial No. 262.160.

Be it known that we, HERBERT H. PATTEE, a resident of East Orange,county of Essex, State of New Jersey, and OHARLEs L. DUEN- KEL, aresident of the city, county, and State of New York, citizens of theUnited States of America, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Amusement-Vehicles, of which the following is aspecification.

ingenious improvements in revolving amuse- 'ment-carriages of aspherical ty e intended to be employed in recreation-par rs and similarplaces where people gather'foroutdoor amusement, recreation, sports, andthe like, the object of the invention being to simplify and perfect aformof apparatus of a somewhat sensational and highly-novel design,

. carrying passengers therein and whirling at a high rate of speed, ashereinafter described,

so that in combination with appurtenances for producing many kinds ofdifferent .and surprisin effects it will serve to delight and thrillbotIx it's passengers and the onlookers; and the invention consists,essentially, in a foraminous or skeleton sphere or ball having twomovements, one a movement bodily forward or in a right line and theother'a move-.

ment of revolution on the-axis of the ball,"

both movements occurring simultaneously or independently; and also theinvention comprises various details of mechanism for producing themovements of the ball and various other details and peculiarities,substantially as will be hereinafter, described and then more fullypointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, illustrat ing our invention, Figure 1 is aview, partly in side elevation and partly in-section, of our improvedamusement device. Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the same at right anglesto the view in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a view, partially in side elevation andpartially in section, similar to Fig. 1, but indicating a modificationin the ;more clearly the relative arrangement of some of the parts andindicate the wiring for carrying the electrical currents to perform themoving of the parts, as described.

Like numerals of reference denote like 2 parts throughout the differentfigures of the a drawings. Our invention refers to certain novel and Insome respects the ball: or sphere employed as a art of our presentamusement device is simi ar to that shown and described in the formerLetters Patent granted to Herbert H; Pattee on ball-coaster, dated 00-tober 4, 1904, No. 771,322. The precise structure of the ball may varywithin wide limits; but the example shown in the drawings at 1 is aconvenient and preferable construction and consists, essentially, of askeleton or foraminous shell, through interstices or openin s in whichpersons ridin within may readi y gaze u on their surroundings.

Inside of the ba 1 is a car 2 for carrying passengers, said car beingpreferably of ,a semispherical form, the contourof the car conforminggenerally to the inner curvature of the ball 1; but the exact size andshape of thiscar may varywithin Wide limits. The car is in reality abowl and may be termed a bowl-car. It is provided with two parallelhorizontal axles 3, supported in rollers or ball-bearings 4 and havingon the ends trucks or wheels 5 provided with flanges 5 like ordinarycar-wheels. These wheels 5- engage circular tracks 6 on the interior ofthe ball 1.

On the exterior of the ball directly opposite I to the interior circulartrack '6 are the exte- 4 rior flanged rings 7, which are in form and effect wheel-rings and serve the purpose of parallel wheels on theexterior of ball 1.

- In order to conveniently construct the inner circular rings 6 and theouter flanged rims7, we find it convenient to insert in the frame of theball 1 a'circular ring of metal .8, occupying-a position in a verticalplane and secured by means of bolts 8 or otherwise to the frame of theball 1, which ring 8 will provide, by means of its inner edge, theinteriorring 6 on which the bowl-trucks 5 rest and the exterior flangedrim 7 (see Fig. 5;) but of course we do not desire to be restricted tothis method of constructing and applying the inner andouter rims, butreserve the liberty of varying 7 of the ball 1 engage the wheels 15.

therefrom and constructing the same in different Ways.

The ball 1 is supported by means of a carriage consisting, essentially,of parallel vertical sides 9 and suitable cross-pieces 10. This carriageis locomotive upon rolls or a track 1 1, and to that end is furnishedwith trucks 12, whose axles 13 are suitably journaled in the parallelsides 9 of the carriageframe. In the carriage are also journaledhorizontal parallel shafts 14, on which are rigidly secured wheels orrollers 15. The flanged wheel-rims It is very obvious'that the carriageby running on the track 11 can transport the ball from point to pointand that in order to drive the carriage it is only necessary to actuatethe trucks 12, and, furthermore, that in order to revolve the ball 1 onits axis it is only necessary to drive the friction wheels or rollers15, the result of which will be to rotate the ball, and also that as theball 1 rotates thebowl-car 2 therein will remain stationary without anypossibility of overturning, inasmuch as the inner surface of the ball 1or the edges of the rings 6 in contact with the car-trucks 5 will simplyspin said wheels around, acting merely as an antifriction device betweenthe frame of the ball and the car.

We have illustrated in the drawings two different ways of propelling theball-carrying car along its track and also two different Ways forrevolving the friction-wheels 15, which results in the revolution of theball. These different means,which are given as ex amples merely. and forwhich other means may be substituted, we will now describe.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2, and 6, the frictionwheels 15 have their shafts14 supported in the parallel side frames 9 of the ball-carrying car, andon these shafts 14 are sprocket or gear wheels 16, and on the axles 13of the trucks 12 are also sprocket or gear wheels 22. J ournaled in theside frames 9 centrally of the carriage in a horizontal position is ashaft 18, having thereon near one end a pair of sprocket .or gear wheels20, engaged by chains 17,

which also pass around the wheels 16 on the shafts 14, and near theother end of this shaft 18 is another pair of sprocket-wheels 20 aroundwhich pass chains 21, which likewise encircle and engage the gear-wheels22 on the axles 13. The chains 21 therefore serve to communicate motionfrom shaft 18 to the axles to propel the ball-carrying car, while thechains 17 transmit motion from the shaft 18 to the friction-wheels 15,and thus serve to actuate the ball and revolve it on its axis. On theshaft 18 also, at a point midway of its length, is a worm-wheel 19,meshing with which is a worm 23 on the shaft of an electric motor 24,which is suitably supported in the frame of the carriage. Thus it willbe seen result of this actuation is to propel the ballcarrying car andalso to rotate the ball, both of these operations being carried oneither independently or concurrently, as desired.

In the car 2 inside ball 1 is a motor-controller 41, having a handle 42,said controller being of the usual type. 011 the side of the controller41 are a couple of switches 43 and 44. The wires 45 leading from theseswitches and also the group of wires 46 leading from the inside of thecontroller are passed into a pipe 47, which runs from the stationary car2 through a suitable opening in the center of ball 1 and then to the twoclutches 25 25 on the shaft 18. These clutches need not be heredescribed in detail, as they are wellknown types of electric clutches,and we lay no claim thereto; but they are employed for the purpose ofallowing the motion of the shaft 18 to be transmitted either to thepropulsiontrucks or to the ball-revolving wheels, as may be desired.Thus, for instance, the switch 43 on the controller will control one ofthe clutches 25 and the switch 44 the other, so that the personoperating the ball from the inside of the car which is within the ballmay cause the ball-carrying carriage to move in either direction, thisbeing determined by properly controlling the electric current, and mayalso control the revolution of the ball 1.

In Figs. 3 and 4 a modification in the mechanism for driving theball-carriage, as well as the ball, is delineated. The shafts 14 of thefriction-Wheels 15 are provided each with a worm-wheel 38, and the axles13"of the trucks 12 are each provided with a worm-wheel 50. 26 denotes ahorizontal shaft supported in bearings 28 28, and 29 a similarhorizontal shaft held in bearings 30 30. The shaft 26 has a Worm 27 oneach end thereof, which worms engage the gears 38, and the shaft 29 hasa worm 39 at each end thereof, which engage the gear-wheels 50. 34designates an electric motor whose shaft 39 has a pinion e11- gaging agear-wheel 32, which is on the shaft 26. 37 denotes another electricmotor whose shaft has a pinion 36 engaging a earwheel 35 on the shaft29. Thus it will be seen that the motor 34 drives the frictionwheels 15and the motor 37 drives the trucks 12 of the ball-carrying car orcarriage. These motors are controlled by the controller 4.1, alreadyspoken of as being in the bowl-car 2. We have not shown the wiring, asit is entirely unnecessary. Any suitabie well-known type of electricmotor may be employed.

The operation of our improved amusement device will be plainly evidentfrom the foregoing description without further an'iplification, exceptto say that all the accessories and appurtenances which may contributeto the pleasure of the operation of a device of this kind-such as cloudeffects, electric apthat this motor actuates the shaft 18, and the 1pliances for lighting, &c., stage simulations giving the ack-andother,of imparting to the ball a rapid rotation, the interior car whichcarries the passengers being stationary relatively to the revolving shere, so that the passengers are uninjured, ut enjoy the sensation ofthe rapid rotation of the ball and the illusions produced as the resultthereof, asseen by the passengers through the foraminous shell inclosingI the bowl-car.

Many changes may be made in the exact construction and arrangementwithout deof a controller within the ball.

parting from'our invention. Adverting to some changes which may be madefrom the disclosure herein described and illustrated, it is evident thatboth the ball-carrying car and the ball itself may be operated bysuitable electric connections from without the ball as readily as bymeans The inside control described and shown may be preferable, but theoutside control is easily possible and may be found more convenient atcertain times. Further, we wish to cover very broadly all possible meansfor imparting rotation to the ball. We do not wish to be restricted torevolving it bymeans of a frictiongear; but the friction-gear may attimes become mere idle mechanism or idle wheels and a positive revolvingaction given to the ball in some other way either by gearing attachedto'the outer surface or by some device which will rotate it upon itsaxis. In the drawings we have shown the current derived from a shoeworking in a slot, but other means for supplying it may be em loyed.

Having thus describe our invention, what we claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

1. In an amusement apparatus, the combination with a ball having aninterior car carrying passe gers, of means for transporting the ball.

2. In an amusement apparatus, the combination with a ball having aninterior car carrying passengers, of-means for transporting said ballbodily, and means for revolving it.

3. In an amusement apparatus, the combination with a ball carryingpassengers, of a car for transporting it, and means consistingessentially of friction-wheels for revolving it.

4. In an amusement apparatus, the combi: nation with'a ball, of arelatively stationary car therein carrying passengers, and means forrevolving the ball consisting of wheels in contact with the exterior.

5. Inan amusement apparatus, the combithe same carrying passengers, andtrucks for said car in contact with the interior surface of the ball 6.In combination with a revolving ball,

having interior circular tracks, of a car within the ball carryingpassengers, said carbeing provided with wheels engaging the said tracks.I

7. The combination with a revolving ball carrying passengers, of afriction-gear applied to the exterior thereof. for revolving the all.

8. The combination with a ball carrying passengers, said ball soconstructed that the nation with a foraminous ball, of a car within 6 5passengers can see without, and having inte- 8o rior tracks, of a carprovided with wheels engaging said tracks, which car remains stationarywhile the ball revolvesabout it, and

means for revolving the ball,- together with means for transporting it.

9. The combination of a revolving ball carrying passengers, 'alocomotive-car sup porting the ball, means consisting essentially offriction-wheels for revolving the ball, and

controlling ,means withinthe car together 0 with an electric motor ormotors whereby the ball may be revolved and whereby the car' whichsupports'it may be propelled.

10. The combination with a ball of a fo raminous character and carrying.passengers,

of a car supporting the ball, Wheels or rollers on the car on which theball rests, and means for imparting revolution to the ball.

11. In an amusement-vehicle of the character described, the combinationwith a ball, a relatively stationary car within the same carryingpassengers, a car supporting the gag, and an electric motor forrevolving the 12. The combination with a ball, of a' relativelystationary car within the same, friction-wheels supporting the ball, andmeans for driving the friction-wheels for rotating the ball.

13. The combination with a ball carrying passengers, of friction-wheelssupporting it, and means for rotating the ball.

14. The combination with a ball, of a relatively stationary car thereinhaving trucks engaging interior tracks in the'ball, flanged rims on theexterior of the ball, wheels on which said flanged rims rest, and meansfor rotating the wheels in order to rotate the ball.

15. The combination with a ball carrying passengers, of friction-wheelssupportingrit, and a car carrying said friction-wheels.

16. The combination with a ball carrying passengers, of friction-wheelssu porting it, and means for rotating said wheel 17. The combinationwith a ball carrying passengers, of friction devices supporting it,

and means for actuating said devices to revolve the ball.

18. The combination of a revolving ball carrying passengers, a car suporting the ball, means consisting essential y of friction- Wheels forrevolving the ball, and means Within the ball for controlling therevolution of the ball and the movement of the car.

19. The combination of a revolving ball carrying passengers, a carsupporting the ball, means consisting essentially of revolving frictiondevices for revolving the ball, a motor or motors for revolving the balland propelling the car, and means Within the ball for controlling themotor or motors.

20. In an amusement apparatus, the combination With a ballcarryingpassengers, of means for trans orting said ball, a motor or motors forrevo ving the ball and for propelling the transporting means, and meansWithin the ball for controlling the motor or motors.

21. In an amusement apparatus, the combination With a foraminous ball,of a car Within the same carrying passengers, a fric tion-gear appliedto the exterior of the ball 'forrevolving it, a car for transportim theball, and a motor or motors whereby said ball is revolved and said carpropelled.

22. The combination of a foraminous ball, a car Within the same carryingpassengers, said car having trucks in contact with the interior surfaceof the ball, friction-Wheels su porting the ball, and means foractuating t 1e friction-Wheels, including a motor or motors andshafting,which latter communicates mo tion to the Wheels.

23. In an amusement apparatus, the combination of a ball, an interiorcar carrying passengers and having trucks in contact with the interiorsurface of the ball, and means for revolving said ball around its axis.

Signed at New York city, New York, this 22d day of May, 1905.

HERBERT H. PATTEE. CHARLES L. DUENKEL.

Witnesses:

JOHN H. HAZELTON, I. HEIBERG.

